Bible Study

Title: Better Than the Law
Date: Feb 24, 2012
Topic(s): Obedience/Discipleship
Scripture: Galatians 2:20, Romans 3:21-22, Romans 7:10-12, Romans 5:20, Romans 7:6-7, Romans 8:7, Romans 8:3, Acts 13:38-39, Galatians 3:19

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The law for a child might be, "Don't run into a busy street, even to get your favorite ball." Now, that law was not meant to keep your little one from having fun but to protect him or her.

God gave us the Law. But Jesus gave us something much better. First, let's look at why God gave the Law.

Receive

Why did God give us the Law in the first place? The Bible tells us simply and clearly.

Look up Galatians 3:19 and Romans 5:20 (NLT) and answer the following questions.

• Who gave the Law?
• To whom was the Law given?
• How long was the Law designed to last?
• What became more and more abundant as people sinned more?

So, then, what was the problem with the Law God gave us? Nothing. The problem was our disobedience, our inability and unwillingness to obey.

"Well then, am I suggesting that the law of God is sinful? Of course not! In fact, it was the law that showed me my sin. I would never have known that coveting is wrong if the law had not said, 'You must not covet'" (Romans 7:7, NLT).

So, trying to be good, trying to follow all the rules and regulations of religion, was a losing battle. Because the Law showed us how sinful we were, what was originally intended to be a guide and a help, now condemned us.

"So I discovered that the law's commands, which were supposed to bring life, brought spiritual death instead. Sin took advantage of those commands and deceived me; it used the commands to kill me. But still, the law itself is holy, and its commands are holy and right and good (Romans 7:10-12, NLT).

Reflect

So, God's Law which is holy and right showed me how sinful and disobedient I really am. I fool myself anytime I think I can be good enough to please God by trying harder not to sin or I can be okay with God simply by following the rules.

"For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God's laws, and it never will" (Romans 8:7, NLT).

What, then, is better than the Law? What does the Bible reveal that is wonderful news?

"But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are" (Romans 3:21-22, NLT).

"Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is declared right with God--something the law of Moses could never do" (Acts 13:38-39, NLT).

• What difference does Christ make in our lives, in living in a way that pleases God?
• Write out the differences and star those that are cause to praise God.

"The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin's control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins." (Romans 8:3, NLT).

"But now we have been released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive to its power. Now we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit" (Romans 7:6, NLT).

Respond

Memorize Galatians 2:20. Ask God to help you live this out daily in your life.

"My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20, NLT).

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